Red is a new programming language inspired by REBOL, but compiled and open source. The language is currently being bootstrapped by first implementing a lower level dialect, in which the high level, dynamic language will be written. This C class dialect for systems programming, Red/System, has reached beta status after only half a year of development. It now supports using dynamic libraries on Syllable. Also, a new version of Syllable Desktop's FTP client, Transferrer, was released (screenshot accessing Syllable Server).

There's "Hiphop" for PHP which is a PHP to C++ compiler. Haven't even tried it.

TBH - You'll never achieve "native" speed with a dynamically typed language for the same reason that you'll never achieve it with an interpreter (or even byte code). You have to keep reading data and checking types all the time.

If you want real native speed and native interfaces then the 'C' class languages are the only viable option. I'd still recommend C++ and Qt.

TBH - Syntax is not what's worth worrying about - you brain will adjust to it eventually (especially given funky editors with colouring, auto tabbing etc).

There are exceptions... Both Forth and LISP make me cross eyed after a while!